Padma Bhushan for Jaspal Bhatti

Jaspal Bhatti, the genial sardar who not just brought on a smile but also provoked introspection with his biting wit and satire, has been posthumously named for the Padma Bhushan honour on the eve of the 64th Republic Day.

Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the country.

An electrical engineer by profession, Bhatti, said to be the most popular Sikh comedian, carved a niche for himself with 'Ulta-Pulta', which was regularly telecast on Doordarshan. It was followed by 'Flop Show', a satire on social issues, which became a huge hit on the small screen.

In 1999, Bhatti produced and directed the popular Punjabi film 'Mahaul Theek Hai', a satire on the Punjab Police, administration and society.

Jaspal Bhatti, the quintessential entertainer, passed away after a road accident in October. He was 57.